Rodrygo’s early weeks under new manager Xabi Alonso have been marked by inconsistency, with the Brazilian forward struggling to cement a clear role in the starting lineup. The 23-year-old has experienced a significant drop in minutes compared to his status as a regular under Carlo Ancelotti, raising questions about his long-term position in the team.
So far, Rodrygo’s involvement has been limited and sporadic. He started in the friendly against Al-Hilal, playing 65 minutes, but since then his time on the pitch has been drastically reduced. He did not feature at all against Pachuca, Juventus, or Osasuna. When he did appear, it was only in brief substitute roles — 23 minutes versus RB Salzburg and just 13 minutes against Borussia Dortmund. This pattern suggests Alonso is yet to decide how Rodrygo fits into his tactical vision.
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Part of the challenge for Rodrygo is competition. With the squad boasting several attacking options, Alonso has rotated heavily, testing different lineups and partnerships. Rodrygo, who has often been deployed as both a winger and second striker, has not yet shown enough under the new manager to reclaim his undisputed starter status. At times, Alonso has favored other options, leaving Rodrygo waiting on the bench.
For a player who contributed crucial goals in previous campaigns, including in Europe, this shift is notable. Fans and analysts are beginning to question whether Rodrygo might struggle for consistent minutes if Alonso continues with this rotation policy. While it is still early in the season, the limited opportunities highlight a potential shift in his importance to the squad.
Nevertheless, the club maintains high expectations for Rodrygo’s development. His versatility and technical ability make him a valuable asset, and Alonso has emphasized the need for every player to be ready to step in when called upon. For now, Rodrygo’s situation reflects both the depth of the squad and the adjustments that come with a managerial change. Whether he regains a regular starting role will depend on how he adapts to Alonso’s system and takes advantage of the chances he is given.